Prairie State College and Wind Creek Chicago Southland Launch New Art Exhibition Featuring Local Talent

Chicago Heights, IL – Prairie State College (PSC) is proud to announce the launch of The Prairie State College Art Showcase at Wind Creek—a new rotating art exhibition in partnership with Wind Creek Chicago Southland. This initiative highlights the work of local artists, including PSC students and alumni, offering them a professional platform to exhibit and sell their artwork.

The exhibition will debut at noon on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Wind Creek’s newest location, 17300 S. Halsted in East Hazel Crest, Illinois, with the unveiling of original works by inaugural featured artist Chidera Onyeizeh of Richton Park.

Onyeizeh, a proud PSC alumnus and recent graduate of Governors State University (GSU), earned a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Printmaking. He was recently honored with the College of Arts and Sciences Purchase Award, a prestigious recognition that secured one of his original pieces in GSU’s permanent collection. During his time at PSC, Onyeizeh stood out in the college’s art program, earning praise for his exceptional skill and creative depth.

“We’re incredibly pleased to create this opportunity in partnership with Wind Creek Southland,” said Dr. Jeri Bingham, Vice President of External Affairs at PSC. “We’re grateful for their support and shared vision. This collaboration—perhaps the first of its kind, brings together a community college art gallery and a casino—offering a platform for talented local artists, including some of our very own PSC alumni.”

“This partnership with Prairie State College is especially meaningful because it brings visibility and opportunity to the incredible talent that exists right here in the Chicago Southland,” said Roger Kuehn, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Wind Creek Chicago Southland. “By showcasing local artists—beginning with a standout PSC alum like Chidera Onyeizeh—we’re proud to create a space where the community can engage with the arts in an accessible and inspiring way. This exhibit reflects our commitment to supporting culture and creativity as essential parts of the Wind Creek experience.”

The exhibition at Wind Creek is curated by Javier Chavira, director of the Christopher Art Gallery at PSC. Located on the PSC campus at 202 South Halsted Street in Chicago Heights, the gallery hosts eight exhibitions annually, featuring artists from across the United States. For more information, visit prairiestate.edu/artgallery. The PSC-Wind Creek partnership will continue to feature new artists every two months, with six artists showcased each year. All proceeds from artwork sales will go directly to the artists.

For more information, please contact:
Crystal Alston
Senior Director, External Affairs
Prairie State College
calston@prairiestate.edu